Rental Car Insurance Options

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). The rental car company won’t hold the renter responsible for all of the costs associated with theft or damage of the vehicle. The CDW may also cover loss-of-use charges, which the renter must otherwise pay while the car is out of commission.

Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). PAI coverage provides medical, ambulance, and death benefits for the rental car driver and his passengers.

Supplemental Liability Protection (SLP). This insurance covers you for damage caused to someone else’s person or property. By law in most states, the rental car company must provide the state-required minimum amount of liability insurance, but SLP offers additional liability protection.

Personal Effects Coverage (PEC). PEC reimburses the cost of personal items damaged in a collision or stolen from the rental vehicle.

When You Need Rental Car Insurance

The decision whether to purchase extra insurance when you rent a car depends of many factors specific to your situation. However, there are three cases when obtaining additional coverage should have a very high priority:

You don’t have car insurance. If you don’t have automobile insurance, or if your policy lacks comprehensive and collision coverage or has very high deductibles, you may want to purchase the collision damage waiver.

You’re renting a vehicle for business travel. Your personal car insurance policy may not cover you when you rent a vehicle primarily for business.

Buying Peace of Mind

Extra rental car insurance isn’t expensive, and it can give you additional protection should you be involved in a collision. As with all other types of automobile insurance coverage, you should purchase what you can reasonably afford to give you the protection you need.

If you’ve been injured in a collision while driving a rental car, you need professional representation by an experienced attorney. To learn more about what the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., can do for you, visit us on Facebook.

]]>http://www.attorneystevelee.com/faqs/insurance-coverage-options-when-you-rent-a-car.cfmwww.attorneystevelee.com-59419Wed, 13 Dec 2017 09:00:00 ESTPoor vehicle maintenance can significantly increase the risk of automotive accidents. All motorists should have regular vehicle checkups to ensure that their car is working properly and is safe to drive.

Crucial Car Maintenance Tasks

When your vehicle seems to be running fine, it’s easy to overlook warning signs or forget to perform important routine maintenance. Here are five dangerous vehicle maintenance mistakes you should avoid:

Failing to replace worn tires. Driving on bald tires increases hydroplaning risk and extends your stopping distances. Plus, a high-speed blowout can cause a vehicle to roll or crash. When replacing your tires, ensure that they are perfectly balanced and aligned, since tires that aren’t aligned properly can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.

Ignoring warning lights. If a dashboard warning light turns on, have your vehicle checked to ensure that there are no serious problems.

Not replacing light bulbs. Failing to replace headlight bulbs can reduce nighttime visibility, and burned-out turn signals or brake lights can prevent other motorists from realizing that you intend to stop or make a turn. These bulbs are relatively easy and inexpensive to replace.

Never checking windshield wipers and fluid. Driving with bad windshield wipers or no wiper fluid can dramatically reduce visibility. Using damaged wipers can result in windshield scratches and obstruct your view. If you aren’t certain if it’s time to replace your wipers, most oil change stations or automotive supply stores will assist you with checking them.

Accidents Caused by Poor Maintenance

When a vehicle has not been properly maintained, a serious accident may be the result. If you’ve been injured in a vehicle collision, you need an experienced attorney who knows how to properly investigate the causes of the crash. To discuss your claim, contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., by using the form on this page.

]]>http://www.attorneystevelee.com/blog/poor-vehicle-maintenance-increases-collision-risks.cfmwww.attorneystevelee.com-177373Tue, 12 Dec 2017 09:00:00 ESTFortunately for Texas, most of the state is spared from severe winter weather. Even so, there are always a few days each year when ice and snow builds up on local roadways. While these driving conditions never last very long, they are so rare that many Texas motorists aren’t prepared for them.

Winter Driving Tips

Traffic accidents tend to spike on winter weather days. Here are some safety tips for driving on snow and ice:

Don’t tailgate. When the roads are icy or if there is snow, drivers should stay 10 seconds behind the vehicle in front.

Go slowly. Accelerating too fast or slamming on the brakes in bad weather causes many drivers to lose control, so avoid any sudden starts and stops.

Don’t drive into a skid. Instead, remove your foot from the accelerator, hold the wheel loosely, and steer in the direction you want to go.

Use extra care on bridges. Be particularly careful when driving on bridges, overpasses, and streets shaded by buildings or trees. In frigid temperatures, these areas tend to be the first to freeze and the last to thaw out.

Improve your visibility. Clean your windows and lights, and check your windshield wipers to ensure that they are in good working order. Use your low beam headlights to improve your own visibility and to help other drivers see you.

Be Prepared

Don’t get caught unprepared when you wake up on a glistening winter morning. Bookmark this page on your smartphone or print it out and keep a copy in your vehicle to refresh your memory when you need it the most. If you’ve been injured in a winter driving accident, you need an experienced attorney to help you receive the compensation you deserve. To learn more, contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., by clicking the Live Chat button on this page.

]]>http://www.attorneystevelee.com/blog/tips-for-driving-safely-in-texas-when-there-is-ice-and-snow.cfmwww.attorneystevelee.com-177372Mon, 11 Dec 2017 09:00:00 ESTFor the first time, studies indicate that motorists killed in collisions are more likely to be high on drugs than intoxicated by alcohol. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, 43 percent of fatally injured drivers in 2015 had drugs in their system. This compares to 37.3 percent of deceased drivers testing above the legal limit for alcohol during the same year. This trend corresponds to the growing epidemic of opioid abuse sweeping the country during the last few years.

Types of Opioids

Opioids are central nervous system depressants and moderately strong painkillers, and their effects can last for up to six hours. There are many different types of opioids, including:

Oxycodone (OxyContin and Percocet)

Hydrocodone (Vicodin)

Codeine

Fentanyl

Morphine

Heroin

Opioid Effects

The impact of opioids depends on the dose, the way the drugs are administered, and the user’s tolerance levels. Common reactions to opioids include:

Apathy

Tremors

Lethargy

Euphoria

Drowsiness

Mental confusion

Visual impairment

Lack of concentration

Slowed reaction times

Opioids Impact Driving Skills

Regardless of whether opioids were obtained with a valid prescription or purchased illegally, they can severely impair critical driving skills by preventing a motorist from remaining clear headed and alert. Opioids interfere with driving by:

Causing dizziness or disorientation. Opioids can make a driver feel imbalanced, causing him to steer out of his own lane and into oncoming traffic.

Delaying reactions. Opioids can slow a driver’s reaction times, impeding his ability to quickly change lanes, move out of the way, or apply the brakes to avoid an accident.

Inhibiting decision-making. A driver must remain alert to changes in traffic, accurately judge the speed of other vehicles, and maintain sufficient space between his vehicle and other cars on the road. Opioids can interfere with a driver’s ability to make these critical decisions.

Driving Under the Influence of Opioids

Drivers who use opioids are endangering themselves and everyone else on the road. If you’re a victim of drugged driving, you deserve compensation. To learn more about what the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., can do for you, visit us on Facebook.

Work-Related Injuries

Workers’ compensation covers only injuries that are suffered while an employee is doing something on behalf of his employer. While most work-related injuries happen at the workplace, they also may occur in company-owned vehicles or at corporate parties, picnics, or other social events sponsored by the employer.

Determining If Injuries Are Work-Related

Here are some circumstances that may determine whether an injury is work-related:

An injury sustained during a lunch break is typically not covered under workers’ compensation, unless it occurs in a company cafeteria.

If an employee is injured while he is intoxicated, his injuries might not qualify for workers’ compensation. However, if alcohol was served at a work-sponsored event, such as a holiday party, his injuries may be considered work-related.

Mental conditions that are work-related, such as trauma sustained during a workplace accident, are covered by workers’ compensation.

Injuries sustained while commuting to or from work generally aren’t eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. However, if the injuries occur during business-related travel or in a company vehicle, they will likely be covered.

If an employee is injured during horseplay or while otherwise breaking a workplace safety rule, his injuries may still be covered, depending on the level of misconduct.

Hearing loss sustained in a noisy work environment, such as a manufacturing facility or construction site, is covered by workers’ compensation insurance.

Qualifying for Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Employers and their insurance companies are often all too eager to exclude legitimate work-related injuries from workers’ compensation benefits. You need representation by an experienced attorney in order to prove that the injuries you’ve sustained were employment-related. To learn more, contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., by clicking the Live Chat button on this page.

]]>http://www.attorneystevelee.com/faqs/injuries-sustained-on-the-job-that-qualify-for-worker-s-comp.cfmwww.attorneystevelee.com-59360Thu, 07 Dec 2017 09:00:00 ESTIn Texas, workers’ compensation insurance is optional for most employers. The process of recovering damages for a work-related injury will differ depending on whether the employer participates in the Texas workers’ compensation system.

Workers’ Compensation Claims

Workers’ compensation is a state-regulated insurance system that guarantees the payment of medical bills, as well as some lost wages to employees injured on the job. Private sector companies involved in state building and construction projects, and governmental entities, are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance. When an employer purchases this insurance, the company is shielded from employee injury litigation in nearly all instances. Instead, the insurance company assumes liability for the employee’s injuries without regard to negligence or fault.

Unlike companies providing workers’ compensation benefits, non-subscribers may be sued by injured employees. This means that the company might have to pay substantial damages when the injured employee proves negligence on the part of the employer. To do so, the employee must show that his employer did one or more of the following:

Failed to maintain a safe facility and working conditions.

Failed to maintain sufficient staff to perform the work safely.

Failed to provide the equipment needed to perform the job safely.

Another employee was negligent.

Claiming Compensation

Regardless of whether your employer participates in the Texas workers’ compensation system, you’re entitled to pursue compensation if you’re injured on the job. Unfortunately, non-subscribing employers often make it difficult for injured workers to claim compensation, so you need representation by an experienced attorney to protect your rights. To learn more about what the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., can do for you, visit us on Facebook.

]]>http://www.attorneystevelee.com/blog/non-subscriber-versus-workers-compensation-claims.cfmwww.attorneystevelee.com-177183Wed, 06 Dec 2017 09:00:00 ESTIndustrial accidents can be devastating, resulting in severe injuries to multiple workers in a matter of moments. While many employees may be injured simultaneously, each individual must pursue his own workers’ compensation claim.

Industrial Accident Mass Injuries

Industrial accidents can cause a variety of serious injuries, including:

Amputations.

Lacerations caused by flying debris.

First-, second-, and third-degree burns.

Lung damage caused by inhalation of smoke or toxic fumes.

Blown or injured eardrums due to an explosion.

Impact injuries caused by the force of an explosion blast.

Concussions and traumatic brain injuries caused by open or closed head wounds.

Industrial Accident Mass Injury Events

Fires

When flammable chemicals, pressurized containers, and heat-powered tools such as soldering irons and flame torches are present, a serious fire hazard is created. Even just a single spark can create a major fire, leading to severe worker injuries. Workplace fires are frequently caused by:

Temporary heating devices.

Flammable and combustible liquids.

Electrical malfunctions and shorts.

Liquefied petroleum gas.

Explosions

Workplace explosions can cause a number of serious injuries to workers, and the severity of the injuries frequently depends on the proximity of the worker to the explosion. Explosions may also lead to other workplace hazards, such as fires and structural damage. Workers in manufacturing, mining, construction, chemicals, and oil and gas production are particularly vulnerable to injuries caused by explosions. Typical causes of workplace explosions include:

Gas leaks.

Boiler explosions.

Equipment malfunctions.

Overloaded transformers.

Handling Workers’ Compensation Claims

Even if all of the affected workers have similar injuries, their workers’ compensation claims must be filed separately. Furthermore, the workers’ compensation insurance company may not handle all of the claims in the same way. Some employees may easily qualify for benefits, while others may discover that their benefits have been reduced or denied.

You need representation by an experienced attorney in order to receive the compensation you deserve. To learn more about what the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., can do for you, visit us on Facebook.

]]>http://www.attorneystevelee.com/blog/workers-comp-claims-caused-by-workplace-mass-injuries.cfmwww.attorneystevelee.com-177182Tue, 05 Dec 2017 09:00:00 ESTAn employee’s ability to reject an employment offer while still qualifying for workers’ compensation depends on the nature of the job being offered. Workers are never obligated to accept a job they don’t want, but rejecting a job offer may result in the termination of workers’ compensation benefits.

Light-Duty Jobs

During the early stages of workers’ compensation, employees frequently need time off from work to recover from their injuries. In addition to payments for medical recovery, they can receive wage loss, or temporary total disability, benefits. These benefits are paid to workers when their injuries prevent them from returning to a former position while they are healing.

An employer may try to minimize this wage loss by providing a light-duty position compatible with the employee’s work restrictions. This is often the same position the worker held previously, minus any physically demanding tasks, but it may be a different job entirely. The income from this job can reduce the workers’ compensation benefits that must be paid, ultimately lowering the employer’s insurance premiums.

Accepting or Rejecting a Light-Duty Job Offer

Accepting light-duty work doesn’t necessarily result in the termination of temporary income benefits. If 70 percent of an employee’s gross weekly earnings are less than 70 percent of his gross average weekly wage prior to his injury, he may be entitled to partial income benefits to cover the difference. If the worker finds his light-duty job too taxing due to his injuries, he can most likely have his temporary income benefits reinstated.

Rejecting light-duty work may have a negative impact on workers’ compensation benefits. Temporary total disability benefits may be eliminated if a worker chooses to reject an offer of light-duty employment that is consistent with his work restrictions.

Keeping Workers’ Compensation Benefits

If you’ve been injured on the job, you’re entitled to collect workers’ compensation benefits. Hiring an experienced attorney to defend your work limits may be key to maximizing your benefits. To discuss your claim, contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., by using the form on this page.

]]>http://www.attorneystevelee.com/faqs/collecting-workers-compensation-after-declining-employment.cfmwww.attorneystevelee.com-59359Mon, 04 Dec 2017 09:00:00 ESTGenerally, workers injured when a fight breaks out at their workplace are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, nearly two million workers are victims of workplace violence each year.

Workplace Violence Injuries

Most workplace violence incidents involve assault, primarily to the head and face. This may result in soft tissue injuries such as black eyes, cuts, bruises, and swelling. Assaults sometimes cause more severe injuries, including broken bones, brain concussions, and herniated discs. Extremely violent attacks may even result in life-threatening internal injuries.

Qualifying for Workers’ Compensation Benefits

With any claim, an employee must demonstrate that his injuries occurred during the course of his employment in order to receive workers’ compensation benefits. When there is a fight, the injuries must be sustained while the claimant is at work, and he cannot be the initiator of the violence. While an angry verbal exchange generally isn’t considered sufficient provocation, threats of injury or death may be. In this case, the attacker could claim that he was merely defending himself.

Employer Liability

Employers have a legal duty to provide a safe work environment for their employees. This includes taking steps to prevent individuals with a history of violence from interacting with workers. Companies may accomplish this through drug testing, reference checks, criminal background checks, and disciplining or terminating workers guilty of initiating conflict.

If an employer fails to protect workers, victims of workplace violence may have the option of filing a lawsuit in addition to receiving workers’ compensation benefits. This requires proving gross negligence or a wanton disregard for safety on the part of the employer. While work-related injuries are generally covered by workers’ compensation insurance, this coverage is optional for many Texas employers. If a company doesn’t provide workers’ compensation benefits, a victim of workplace violence may sue for damages.

Compensation for Your Injuries

If you’ve been injured in an act of workplace violence, you deserve compensation. Workplace injury litigation can be complicated, so you need an experienced attorney to protect your rights. To learn more, contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., by clicking the Live Chat button on this page.

]]>http://www.attorneystevelee.com/faqs/workers-compensation-for-injuries-caused-by-a-fight-at-work.cfmwww.attorneystevelee.com-59358Fri, 01 Dec 2017 09:00:00 ESTA truck driver’s logbook may support your injury claim. However, some truck drivers and trucking companies use fraudulent logbook entries. This is done in order to ensure that the driver appears to be in compliance with the law, even though he is not.

Hours of Service Regulations

Under federal hours of service regulations, interstate commercial truck drivers are not permitted to drive more than 11 hours or remain on duty for more than 14 hours after a 10-hour break. Drivers cannot continue to drive after accruing 60 work hours during a 7-day period, or 70 hours during an 8-day period. The driver may restart this period after taking 34 or more hours off.

Hours of Service Violations

Unfortunately, hours of service regulations are sometimes violated. Drivers are permitted to record hours in a written logbook, referred to as “comic books” since they can be falsified so easily. An experienced attorney is familiar with the warning signs of falsified logbooks, including:

Identical runs. If a driver makes the same trip a number of times per week, and his logbook shows that he always reaches the same locations at exactly the same time on every trip, his records may be falsified.

Record of duty status. When the record of duty status isn’t current, this may indicate that the truck driver is keeping two sets of books.

High mileage relative to the time traveled. Drivers will sometimes log more miles than are mathematically possible for the time traveled.

Only on-duty travel time. Drivers are required to record the time spent on pre-trip and post-trip inspections. If these are missing from the log, either the log is falsified or the driver has failed to perform the required inspections.

The Discovery Process

If you’ve been injured by a truck driver who was violating hours of service regulations, you may be entitled to compensation. Your attorney has the right to examine the truck driver’s logbook during the discovery process. Only a skilled truck accident attorney has the experience necessary to discover and expose fraudulent logbook entries, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve. To learn more, contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., by clicking the Live Chat button on this page.

]]>http://www.attorneystevelee.com/faqs/a-truck-driver-s-logbook-can-support-a-vehicle-injury-claim.cfmwww.attorneystevelee.com-59322Wed, 29 Nov 2017 09:00:00 ESTHurricane Harvey flooded the Houston area for three days, but the impact on area roadways has lasted much longer. In the storm’s aftermath, the demand for consumer goods in Texas has skyrocketed. This has led to even more highway congestion, traffic delays, and a surge in truck collisions.

Increased Demand for Consumer Goods

The destruction caused by Hurricane Harvey in Texas has led to a huge spike in the demand for goods, and area trucking companies are responsible for meeting that increased demand. In particular, demand has increased for:

Food

Bottled water

Portable generators

Wallboard

Plywood

Increased Risk of Truck Collisions

While this increased demand for consumer goods may be beneficial to companies, all of the extra traffic makes life hard for truck drivers. Overworked truck drivers are now on the road more often for even longer periods of time, leading to a higher collision risk statewide. When a heavy truck driver becomes fatigued on the job, everyone else on the road faces a higher risk of injury or death. Excessive fatigue often leads to:

Slowed reaction times.

Increased lapses in attention span.

Decreased alertness to danger.

Traffic Increases Mean Higher Accident Risks

According to the International Journal of Injury Control and Safety Promotion, a truck accident study was conducted that evaluated 15 traffic factors, including speed, vehicle size, and the driver’s condition. The study found that overall, the percentage volume of trucks on the road was the primary factor in determining accident severity. An increase of 1 percent in truck volume leads to a disproportionately higher increase in the probability of a severe collision.

Trucking Company Liability

The heavy traffic experienced in the aftermath of hurricane Harvey has resulted in many frustrated and fatigued truck drivers. Unfortunately, some trucking companies don’t follow the proper procedural safeguards intended to reduce driver fatigue and prevent violations of the government’s hours of service regulations. Even low-speed truck collisions that occur in heavy traffic can lead to devastating injuries or death.

If you’ve been injured in a truck collision, you’re entitled to seek compensation. To discuss your claim, contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., by using the form on this page.

]]>http://www.attorneystevelee.com/blog/truck-collision-risks-surge-in-texas-after-hurricane-harvey.cfmwww.attorneystevelee.com-177011Tue, 28 Nov 2017 09:00:00 ESTThe Safety Measurement System (SMS) was created to inform the public about traffic risks. Since 2010, the SMS has provided the transportation industry and the public at large with comprehensive and frequently updated performance data.

Benefits of the Safety Measurement System

The SMS has enhanced roadway safety by:

Holding trucking companies responsible for the way they conduct business.

Transportation carriers identified as high-risk have crash rates that are twice the national average.

There is no meaningful difference in collision rates between small carriers and those with 20 or more roadside inspections.

SMS has been effective in identifying those transportation companies involved in 90 percent of the more than 100,000 collisions that occur each year.

Violations have declined by 14 percent since the CSA system began.

Transportation carriers that have a history of a high number of crashes have a higher probability than other carriers of being involved in crashes in the future.

Those companies with between 11 and 20 inspections and patterns of non-compliance have the highest collision rates.

Trucking Company Negligence

While the Safety Management System isn’t a perfect tool, it is an important effort in holding negligent trucking companies accountable for the damage they inflict upon innocent victims. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation. To learn more, contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., by clicking the Live Chat button on this page.

]]>http://www.attorneystevelee.com/faqs/the-federal-safety-measurement-system-reduces-truck-crashes.cfmwww.attorneystevelee.com-59321Mon, 27 Nov 2017 09:00:00 ESTTruck accidents often cause serious damage to internal organs, including injury to the kidneys. Healthy kidneys clean the blood by removing waste and excess fluid in order to maintain proper blood pressure and red blood cell production. The kidneys are two of our bodies’ most vital organs, so any type of kidney damage can have devastating consequences.

Kidney Injuries

In a vehicle accident, the interior of the vehicle or the seatbelt can cause severe injury to the kidneys. The kidneys perform numerous key functions, so organ damage or failure can be catastrophic. Since the kidneys are responsible for filtering waste, kidney malfunction can result in the body being flooded with deadly toxins.

Treating Kidney Damage

The tests needed to determine if kidney damage has occurred can be both extensive and expensive, and may include renal scans, urinalysis, abdominal scans, and x-rays. The ability to recover from bruised or ruptured kidneys depends on many factors, including the cause of the injury, severity of the injury, and the amount of time that passes between occurrence and treatment. Some of the most common treatments of kidney damage include:

Dietary restrictions

Bed rest

Medication

Surgery

Placing a stent

Kidney removal

Compensation for Kidney Damage

If you’ve suffered kidney damage caused by a truck accident, you deserve compensation for your injuries. When the negligence of a truck driver or trucking company has led to your injuries, you may receive payments for medical expenses, lost income, disability, and pain and suffering. To learn more about what the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., can do for you, visit us on Facebook.

Faulty Brakes May Cause Collisions

When a brake-related collision occurs, a number of individuals and entities may be responsible, including:

The driver. Drivers are required to perform daily inspections of their tractor and trailer, including checking for loose brake components; listening for air leaks in the brake system; and checking the condition of the brake shoes.

The brake manufacturer. Under federal regulations, a truck must be able to meet the automatic brake adjustment system requirements, develop a certain braking force, and decelerate to a stop at a minimum predetermined rate. If truck brakes fail to meet these minimum standards, the manufacturer may be held responsible for failing to design the brakes properly or for overlooking a defect in the manufacturing process.

The company that loaded the truck. If the load is distributed unevenly, the brakes may overheat and malfunction. This can lead to a catastrophic collision, and the company responsible for loading the truck may be held liable.

The owner-operator. Commercial operators are required to maintain truck brakes properly, and they must keep maintenance records showing that truck maintenance has been performed on a regular schedule. The owner may also be at fault if the manufacturer notified him that the brakes were defective, and if he did nothing to correct the problem.

]]>http://www.attorneystevelee.com/library/truck-accidents-due-to-defective-or-poorly-maintained-brakes.cfmwww.attorneystevelee.com-118080Thu, 23 Nov 2017 09:00:00 ESTAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5,376 pedestrians died due to being struck by vehicles in 2015. Of all pedestrians, senior citizens and children are most at risk. In 2015, individuals aged 65 and above accounted for 19% of all pedestrian deaths, while one in five children under the age of 15 killed in collisions were pedestrians.

Pedestrian Injuries

When pedestrians are struck by a vehicle, they often sustain injuries to the head, chest, abdomen, and extremities. Some of the most common pedestrian collision injuries include:

Internal bleeding

Spinal injuries

Fractures

Internal injuries

Pelvic injuries

Head trauma

Death

Staying Safe

Pedestrians can stay safe by ensuring that they are always visible to drivers, and by making eye contact with them whenever possible. Pedestrians should also:

Use the sidewalk. Walk on the shoulder while facing traffic if no sidewalk is available.

Use designated crosswalks or intersections to cross the street whenever possible. If there is no crosswalk, find a well-lit spot to cross and wait for a long gap in traffic.

Make eye contact with drivers in stopped or approaching cars before crossing in front of their vehicles.

Stay in well-lit areas, particularly while crossing the street.

Seeking Compensation

Pedestrian injuries caused by vehicle collisions are frequently serious, and sometimes tragic. If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one due to a driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. A personal injury lawsuit may allow you to recover damages for past and future medical bills, lost income, permanent impairment, pain and suffering, emotional distress, punitive damages, and wrongful death. To discuss your claim, contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., by using the form on this page.

]]>http://www.attorneystevelee.com/library/pedestrian-injuries-to-young-children-and-senior-citizens.cfmwww.attorneystevelee.com-117969Wed, 22 Nov 2017 09:00:00 ESTWhile it is possible for the driver of the vehicle in front to be held liable in the event of a rear-end collision, the driver of the following car is generally presumed to be at fault. There are exceptions, however.

Determining Fault

In a rear-end collision, the driver of the following vehicle will nearly always be considered at least partially to blame. All drivers are expected to follow other cars at a safe distance, since vehicles frequently slow down dramatically or even stop completely due to road hazards or heavy traffic. Drivers should always maintain sufficient space between their own vehicle and the car ahead of them to prevent a collision in the event of an unanticipated stop. However, there are some scenarios in which the driver of the lead car may be considered partially responsible for the collision. These include accidents that occur when:

His brake lights are malfunctioning.

He fails to turn on his hazard lights or pull over when he gets a flat tire.

He stops his vehicle in a traffic lane without warning.

He reverses unexpectedly.

He is driving recklessly.

He stops quickly in order to make a turn, which he fails to execute.

Comparative Negligence

The state of Texas has comparative negligence rules, permitting fault to be shared among multiple drivers. Under this system, each party involved is held accountable for the portion of the accident that is deemed to be his fault, also known as proportionate responsibility. Any driver determined to be more than 50 percent at fault for the accident will be barred from recovering any compensation from the other at-fault drivers.

Rear-End Collision Litigation

If you’ve been involved in a rear-end collision, you need professional representation by an experienced attorney. These cases are frequently complicated, requiring a thorough accident investigation in order to gather the evidence needed to prove that you were not at fault. To learn more about what the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., can do for you, visit us on Facebook.

]]>http://www.attorneystevelee.com/faqs/how-fault-is-determined-in-a-rear-end-collision.cfmwww.attorneystevelee.com-59296Tue, 21 Nov 2017 09:00:00 ESTDriving with your pet in the car can be dangerous, and it should be restrained properly to protect both the animal and your vehicle’s other occupants.

Keep Yourself and Your Pet Safe

Unrestrained pets in a vehicle can easily be hurt, and they may also become dangerous projectiles that injure the vehicle’s human occupants in the event of a collision. Here are some strategies to help you keep your pet safe and prevent it from becoming a distraction while you’re driving:

Prevent carsickness

To keep your pet from experiencing carsickness on long trips, feed it three to four hours prior to leaving.

Keep your pet inside the vehicle

Allowing an animal to stick its head out the window or ride in the back of a pickup truck can be dangerous. Flying debris and rocks can damage your pet’s eyes and ears, and it may be thrown from the vehicle during an accident.

Restrain your pet

Pet restraints are the simplest and most effective way to protect your pet and prevent it from becoming a distraction. There are two popular pet restraint solutions: seat belts and carriers.

Seat belts made for humans aren’t safe for your pet. Pet belts are typically easy to use. Most work in conjunction with your seat belt. Choosing a belt that is the right size for your animal is critically important, since selecting one that is too big or too small can lead to serious injuries.

Carriers. Purchase a sturdy pet carrier that provides plenty of ventilation and sufficient room for your pet to turn around and stretch out. Ensure that the carrier is secured firmly to prevent it from flying around in the event of a collision.

Comparative Negligence in Texas

While having a distracting pet in a vehicle is dangerous, it doesn’t bar you from seeking compensation in the event of an accident caused by another motorist. Under the comparative negligence rules in Texas, multiple parties may share liability for a collision. To learn more about what the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., can do for you, visit us on Facebook.

]]>http://www.attorneystevelee.com/blog/driving-with-pets-in-your-vehicle-can-be-dangerous.cfmwww.attorneystevelee.com-176858Mon, 20 Nov 2017 09:00:00 ESTNot only is it safe for pregnant women to wear a seatbelt, it’s dangerous not to. There is no better way to protect your baby when in a vehicle than by buckling up. However, proper seatbelt use is critically important.

How to Wear a Seatbelt Properly

The seatbelt should be a three-point restraint, with both a lap belt and a shoulder strap. This prevents you from being thrown from the vehicle in an accident.

Always use both the lap belt and the shoulder strap, and ensure that they both have a snug fit.

Never place the shoulder strap under your arm or behind your back. Position it between your breasts and off to the side of your belly.

Never place the lap belt above or across your belly. Buckle it under your belly, touching your thighs, and snugly over your hip bones.

If you’re wearing a coat or sweater that causes the lap belt to slide up on your belly, you should remove this outerwear prior to driving.

How a Vehicle Accident Can Impact Pregnancy

Depending on the severity of your injuries during a vehicle accident, you could face serious pregnancy complications, including:

Premature rupture of the membranes, causing the sac around the baby to break prior to going into labor.

Preterm labor, which begins prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy.

Miscarriage or stillbirth. In a miscarriage, the baby dies in the womb prior to 20 weeks of pregnancy, while in a stillbirth the baby dies in the womb after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Placental abruption, a serious condition that develops when the placenta separates from the womb prior to birth.

Injury to the Unborn

If you’re involved in a vehicle accident while pregnant, you should seek medical treatment right away, even if you believe you haven’t been hurt. Next you should contact an attorney, since any injury to the unborn child may be grounds for a personal injury lawsuit. To learn more, contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., by clicking the Live Chat button on this page.

Drivers Fleeing the Scene

Drivers may have a number of motivations for choosing to flee the scene of an accident. A few of the most common reasons include:

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Driving on a suspended or revoked license.

Being an unlicensed driver.

Driving on an expired license.

Penalties for Leaving the Scene of an Accident

In Texas, a driver leaving the scene of a collision who does more than $200 in damage is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor, which carries up to six months in a county jail. If someone suffers minor injuries as a result of the collision, the driver may be charged with a felony. This is punishable by up to a year in county jail or as much as five years in state prison, and a fine of up to $5,000. If the collision involves serious injury or death, a driver may be charged with a third-degree felony, punishable by two to tenyears in state prison.

Uninsured Motorist Insurance

Payment for hit and run claims generally is handled by your own vehicle insurance, in the form of uninsured motorist bodily injury and property damage coverage. Bodily injury coverage helps with your medical bills, while property damage covers the cost of repairs to your vehicle. This coverage is relatively affordable, and it offers significant financial protection from hit and run drivers up to the policy limits.

Compensation for a Hit and Run

Not only will a hit and run driver face criminal charges, he also has civil liability for the harm he has caused. If you’ve been abandoned at the scene of an accident, you’re entitled to seek compensation for your injuries and property damage through a personal injury lawsuit. To discuss your claim, contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., by using the form on this page.

]]>http://www.attorneystevelee.com/library/causes-consequences-and-coverage-for-hit-and-run-accidents.cfmwww.attorneystevelee.com-117968Thu, 16 Nov 2017 09:00:00 ESTThe Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) provides income and medical care for injured maritime workers not covered by the Jones Act or state workers’ compensation. Workers qualifying for benefits under the LHWCA are entitled to disability benefits, medical expenses, and rehabilitation costs.

However, like other workers’ compensation laws, the Longshore Act does not provide benefits for pain and suffering or for diminished quality of life due to a work-related injury. However, if the injury was caused by the negligence of a third party, the injured worker may file a civil action against that party.

Third-Party Claims

Sometimes, workers are injured due to the negligence of another company, person, or the owner of a vessel. In addition to receiving benefits under the LHWCA, these injured workers may receive compensation for pain and suffering and other damages by filing a lawsuit against the negligent third party. Third party lawsuits for negligence are known as Section 905(b) and Section 933 claims under the Longshore Act. Damages claimed in this lawsuit can easily exceed the compensation provided to the injured worker by the LHWCA.

Section 905(b)

Under the LHWCA, a Section 905(b) lawsuit allows an injured worker to pursue damages due to the negligence of a vessel owner or operator. These cases involve three types of negligence:

A breach of the duty to properly maintain the vessel in safe condition.

A breach of the duty to act to protect workers from known hazards during operation of the ship.

A breach of the duty to prevent worker injuries while the owner is actively controlling the vessel.

Section 933

Lawsuits may also be brought against other third parties under federal or state law for various types of negligence, including:

Negligent maintenance or repair of equipment.

Dangerous or defective equipment.

Negligent ship loading.

Negligence of a contractor or other nonemployer.

You Need an Attorney

If you’re entitled to compensation for your injuries under the LHWCA, you may also have the right to sue a third party for damages due to your pain and suffering. When you’ve been injured at work, you need professional legal representation to help you receive the compensation you deserve. To discuss your claim, contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., by using the form on this page.